Arch Manning isn't the only hurdle standing in the way of Texas' offensive success – and that's a bombshell that could change how you view this team's struggles!
As a Texas Rangers reporter, I've been diving deep into the Longhorns' season, and on October 6, 2025, it's clear that the issues run far deeper than just one player. The ground attack is struggling to gain traction, the offensive line needs to elevate its performance, the play designs require more innovation, and the talented signal-caller at the helm can only execute what's put in front of him. But here's where it gets controversial: is it fair to pin the blame solely on a young quarterback who's already proving his mettle?
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian echoed these sentiments during his Monday press conference, describing the support system around Manning as crucial. 'I found out he’s a tough dude,' Sarkisian said. 'He fought his ass off Saturday.' It's a testament to Manning's resilience, especially when considering the challenges he's facing. For those new to college football, Sarkisian is the leader guiding the Longhorns through their Southeastern Conference battles, and his words highlight how a quarterback's success often hinges on the team around him.
In Saturday's road upset loss to a struggling Florida squad, Manning connected on 16 of 29 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. This performance reflects a broader pattern of uneven offensive output over the past month or so, with only a couple of dominant wins against weaker opponents breaking the monotony. While the third-year quarterback has drawn the lion's share of public scrutiny – whether justly or not – he's actually the highest-rated offensive player on the team according to Pro Football Focus, a respected analytics site that grades players based on performance metrics. To put that in perspective for beginners, Pro Football Focus uses data like completion percentages and decision-making to score athletes, helping fans understand who's truly shining.
That said, Manning isn't perfect. His throwing mechanics raised eyebrows early in the season, and he's had some questionable decisions on the field, including a untimely sack late in the Florida game that derailed a potential rally. 'Does he need to play a little better?' Sarkisian admitted. 'Sure. Do we need to play better around him? No question. And so that’s the goal for us on that front.' It's a balanced view that acknowledges room for improvement on all sides, and this is the part most people miss: the offense as a whole must step up to turn things around.
For the Longhorns, now sitting at 3-2 and unranked for the first time in over three years, this is critical. They're likely underdogs heading into Saturday's Red River Rivalry clash against No. 5 Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl – a game that could redefine their season and playoff aspirations. The Gators' pass rush was relentless, racking up 36 pressures, 23 hurries, six sacks, and five quarterback hits. Meanwhile, Texas' offensive line, which earned a national Joe Moore Award finalist nod last year, has struggled with below-average pass-blocking grades in both power conference matchups, per Pro Football Focus.
Personnel changes are a big factor here. The line returned just one starter: senior guard DJ Campbell, a standout from Arlington Bowie High School and the unit's top pass-blocker. The four newcomers – tackle Trevor Goosby, tackle Brandon Baker, guard Connor Stroh, and center Cole Hutson – combined for 773 snaps last season, with Campbell logging 809. Sarkisian dismissed the idea of seeking reinforcements via the transfer portal, insisting, 'the guys we have are more than capable.' But here's where it gets controversial: should the team have invested in more experienced help to avoid these growing pains? It's a debate that pits loyalty to current players against the need for immediate upgrades, and opinions are sure to vary.
They'll need to prove their worth against Oklahoma, who lead the SEC in sacks with 21 and notched nine against Auburn in their recent conference victory. The Sooners boast top-25 rankings in pass rush and run defense metrics, making them a formidable foe. 'I think they lead the SEC in about everything,' Sarkisian noted. 'First in scoring defense, first in passing yards allowed, first in total, first down defense, first in pass efficiency defense, first in net punt, second in rushing defense, fifth in passing offense. So you can go down the line about how great they’re playing on defense right now. So we’ve got our work cut out for us.'
The entire offense is in the spotlight, not just the player under the brightest lights. As Texas aims to reclaim its footing, fans are left wondering: Will the offensive line rise to the occasion, or is Manning being unfairly singled out? Do you agree with Sarkisian's confidence in his current roster, or should they have pursued more transfers? And what do you think about the broader debate on quarterback accountability in team sports? Share your takes in the comments – I'd love to hear your thoughts and spark some discussion!
